TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Though the Nationalist Congress Party in Goa, on its foundation day, had welcomed the government’s decision on the medium of instruction (MoI), it now says that the government in its vague and uncertain decision has not acted in the interest of the students. 

In a statement released to the media, the NCP executive has said, “The policy decision of the government to impart pre-primary and primary education in the mother tongue as well appointment of educational expert committee is a welcome step of the government. The decision to give substantial grants to the local language school is also befitting and encouraging. However NCP strongly demands that it is equally necessary to give grants to those vernacular language schools which are unaided.” 

“Medium of Instruction, is a political imbroglio, but it is not in the larger interest of the students. Though government intends to continue the grants to those schools which have changed the medium of instruction to English, but it is unclear how long these grants will continue. The government owes an explanation to the people of Goa,” the statement contends. 

The NCP had last year made a volte-face on the MoI issue. Initially all its three MLAs had supported the government’s decision to give grants to English medium schools. But later at an executive committee meeting changed their stance and said they were against grants to English medium schools. 

This time too they have carefully worded their statement. 

“NCP upholds the universal principle that the medium of instruction of pre-primary & primary education should be in the mother tongue or local language. However the well being and the future of the child is in the hands of parents and as such NCP respects the decision of the parents in choosing the medium of instruction of his child. It is pertinent to note that NCP has opined that the committee of educational experts should decide this issue on merit,” the statement reads. 

 The NCP meanwhile also celebrated its 14th foundation day with a special function held at Party Office, at Panjim. Celebration begun with hoisting of the Party flag in the morning in presence of Party leaders and workers. Party President, Surendra Sirsat felicitated some newly elected village panchayat members in representative form. 

They also congratulated Sharad Pawar for being re-elected as the NCP National president for the 5th term.